Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

When it comes to dessert, who can resist the wonderful combination of sweet apples, buttery crust, and rich, gooey caramel? If you’re looking for a treat that packs all those flavors into a perfectly portable form, then you’re in for a delightful experience with salted caramel apple pie bars. Imagine enjoying a slice that blends the classic apple pie’s heartwarming essence with an indulgent salted caramel twist, all wrapped up in a chewy, buttery bar. Let’s dive into the world of baking these easy yet tantalizing treats that will have your family and friends begging for the recipe.

Ingredients

To make these delectable salted caramel apple pie bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• For the crust and topping:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• For the apple filling:

  • 4 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• For the salted caramel:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)

Feel free to customize this recipe! For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, consider using a sugar substitute in the caramel or reducing the sugar in the apple filling.

Timing

Preparing salted caramel apple pie bars is easier than you might think! Here’s a quick breakdown of the timing involved:

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 30–35 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 1 hour

This timeline makes it perfect for a last-minute dessert or a delightful weekend baking project!

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting some paper hang over the edges for easy removal later.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt until crumbly. Reserve about 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.

Step 3: Pour the rest of the mixture into the lined baking dish. Press it firmly into the bottom to form an even crust. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-baking!

Step 4: While the crust bakes, prepare the apple filling. In a large bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well coated.

Step 5: Once the crust is out of the oven, spread the apple mixture evenly over the hot crust, then sprinkle the reserved crumb topping over the apples.

Step 6: Bake the bars for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are bubbly.

Step 7: As the bars bake, make the salted caramel sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, cook the sugar until it turns to a beautiful amber color, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 8: Once the caramel reaches the right color, add in the butter and stir until melted. Gradually add the heavy cream, continuing to stir until smooth. Finally, sprinkle in the sea salt and stir to combine. Let it cool slightly.

Step 9: Once your apple pie bars are out of the oven, allow them to cool completely before drizzling the salted caramel on top.

Step 10: Chill the bars in the fridge for about 30 minutes to set them. Once firm, lift the bars from the dish using the parchment paper and cut into squares. Enjoy with extra caramel drizzled on top!

Healthier Alternatives

For those looking to make healthier twists on these bars, consider the following swappable options:

• Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based options—coconut oil for butter and unsweetened almond or coconut milk for heavy cream.
• Sweetener Alternatives: Use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar, keeping in mind adjustments in quantities as these liquids are sweeter than granulated sugar.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend to maintain the texture while making the recipe accessible for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your salted caramel apple pie bars with some creative serving ideas:

• Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side.
• Pair the bars with a drizzle of hot caramel for that extra touch of sweetness.
• Enjoy them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of spiced apple cider for a cozy dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can sometimes be a tricky endeavor! Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overmixing: When preparing the crust and topping, be careful not to overmix the ingredients, or the texture will be too dense.
• Slicing Too Soon: Patience is key! Cutting the bars before they have completely cooled will cause them to fall apart.
• Not Adjusting Oven Rack: Make sure to bake these bars in the center of the oven for even cooking.

Storage Tips

To keep your salted caramel apple pie bars as delicious as possible, follow these storage guidelines:

• Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They can taste even better the next day, as the flavors meld!
• Freezer: You can also freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top bag for best results.
• Reheating: To enjoy a warm treat, simply pop a bar in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are excellent for their sweetness and tartness, feel free to use any variety of your choice. A mix of apples can add delightful flavor complexity!

How do I know when my caramel is ready?

Watch for the color to change to a rich amber and remember that it will continue to cook even after you remove it from the heat, so don’t hesitate to take it off earlier rather than risk burning.

Can I prepare the caramel in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the caramel sauce a few days ahead. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it gently before using.

Why are my bars falling apart when I cut them?

The bars need to cool completely before slicing. If they’re still warm or if you cut them too soon, they may crumble. Give them time to set for a clean cut.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Certainly! Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch to your bars. Just fold them into the apple filling for an added texture.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

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• Author: emily-mitchell
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Delicious bars combining sweet apples, buttery crust, and rich salted caramel, perfect for a delightful dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 4 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (for caramel)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (for caramel)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt until crumbly.
3. Pour the mixture into the lined baking dish and press it firmly into the bottom to form an even crust. Bake for about 10-12 minutes.
4. Toss the diced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well coated.
5. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust, then sprinkle the reserved crumb topping over the apples.
6. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are bubbly.
7. Cook the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns an amber color, stirring constantly.
8. Add in the butter and stir until melted, then gradually add the heavy cream while stirring until smooth.
9. Sprinkle in the sea salt and stir to combine, then let it cool slightly.
10. Allow the bars to cool completely before drizzling the salted caramel on top, then chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Customize with nuts or different apple varieties for varied flavors.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Conclusion

These salted caramel apple pie bars are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, embodying everything we love about fall desserts. They make for an irresistible treat at any gathering or a comforting finish to a busy day. Whether you’re serving them to family or sharing them with friends, these bars are bound to impress! Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and immerse yourself in a world of flavors that celebrate the joy of homemade desserts.